The Mumbai Indians versus Royal Challengers Bangalore match at Wankhede Stadium is one of the most anticipated matches in the IPL 2023 season, with a full house expected to attend on Tuesday night. Both teams are tied on points, making this star-studded game even more significant and could reach the level of intensity typically seen during the competition’s business end. However, ahead of the game, Mumbai Indians’ captain Rohit Sharma is under intense scrutiny due to his poor form.
In 10 games, Sharma has only scored 184 runs, placing him at the 40th position among the top scorers in IPL 2023, which is uncharacteristic of him. He has only scored two half-centuries in 33 IPL games and has only scored over 50 runs twice in the previous three IPL seasons. There is a perception that his poor form is affecting his captaincy, and some have even called for him to take a break. In the previous game, Sharma pushed himself down to No. 3, changing his batting order, but he was not successful. His poor form may reflect on the points table for MI, with the team currently in sixth place with only ten points from ten games, which is a bit unexpected from a team like Mumbai Indians.
RCB may have a slight edge over MI as they come to the contest on the back of a defeat. RCB’s top order is looking solid with Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis having already scored runs in the tournament, and Mahipal Lomror also adding to their strength. However, they will need more significant contributions from Dinesh Karthik and Glenn Maxwell to bolster their batting lineup. The addition of Josh Hazlewood to their bowling unit provides RCB with added firepower, and he will be well supported by the likes of Mohammed Siraj and Wanindu Hasaranga.
The match will take place on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 7:30 pm IST, at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The temperature at the start of the game will be around 29°C, which will gradually decrease to around 25°C towards the end. There is no chance of rain.
MI’s probable XI will consist of Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jasprit Bumrah, and Trent Boult.
Royal Challengers Banglore probable XI will have Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Mahipal Lomror, Glenn Maxwell, Suyash Prabhudesai/Anuj Rawat, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammad Siraj
In the match-up between MI and RCB, Jofra Archer dismissed Faf du Plessis twice in 22 balls the last time they faced off in the season, making RCB’s openers crucial players. Piyush Chawla could be a crucial player for MI in their match-up against Glenn Maxwell.
The conditions at Wankhede Stadium could suit Maxwell’s style of play, but he has only scored single-digit scores in away games so far.
The MI versus RCB match promises to be an exciting game, with both teams looking to move up the table. MI needs Rohit Sharma to fire and improve his form, which is essential for the team’s success. RCB, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their form and get back to winning ways.
